The Light of God Himself

Floyd remains pretty much the same.  We continue to pray for his comfort, peace and healing and are so grateful for the prayers of so many around the world. 

I’m ever thankful for the prayers for my recovery too.  I've not been feeling well lately, but God has given me day by day strength.  Recovery just takes time.

A friend of mine went to a conference in the pre-pandemic days.  The speaker asked them to write down 3 words:  before, beside, and behind.  She then explained each one.

The "before" refers to those who have had input into your life - teaching, coaching, mentoring, working alongside.  We all have lots of those people in our lives.

The "beside" are those who are walking with you in life - especially in whatever current season you are in.  On my unexpected journey I'm so grateful for family, friends, co-workers, and all of you reading this who are praying for us.  I have been surrounded by love, care and prayers.  I'm so grateful that I haven't been alone during this hard time.  I have had times of feeling lonely, but I've not felt alone.  I so appreciate all those who are beside me.

The "behind" is for those whose lives we have impacted in some way and they are coming behind us on life's journey.  Whether it's 1 person or 1000, we are to be passing on what we're learning and sharing God's love and care.  

I'm so grateful for those who have been before me.  I wouldn't be who I am without them.  I thank the Lord daily for those who are beside me.  They have truly helped carry me on my journey.  And I hope and pray that there are many behind me.  That has been what Floyd and I have desired during our years in ministry.  

I often say that we may not be rich in worldly goods, but we are rich in the gift of people that we've had in our lives.  I'm so grateful for that precious gift!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father."  James 1:17

"There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."  1 Corinthians 12:5,6

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."  1 Peter 4:10,11

I am keenly aware that as I've walked our unexpected journey I couldn't have made it without the Lord's sustaining grace.....and I am so grateful for each one who has walked beside me.  It has been good to think about the before, beside, and behind.....who those people are - and it's been wonderful to be able to lift up thanks to the Lord for all the precious people in our lives.  We are blessed!

A friend sent me a quote from Beth Moore recently that has stuck with me.  "Remember, God purposes to use every second of a divinely-ordained wait to build us into the individuals our future demands we be.  One most peculiar and exquisite experience of the faith is realizing that while you haven't seen answers or the way you should take, you've learned how to see the light of God Himself.  Right there in the blindness of your circumstances."

As I’ve thought back over my life together with Floyd, I was overwhelmed with how we've seen the "light of God Himself" in so many situations in our life.  We've not had the "answers" we always prayed for.....and we've often puzzled over "the way we should take" - but God's presence, His light has been with us each step of the way.

I also thought through these last few years on our unexpected journey.  Sooo many times I've called out to God for wisdom, strength, grace, direction and He has wonderfully, graciously shined His light into my life.  He's spoken to me in a myriad of ways.  I've felt His presence and comfort day by day.  He's never left me alone, on my own.  His love and light has been a constant companion.  I've felt "blind" in some situations, but He has always opened my eyes to see the right path.

I'm so very grateful for the "light of God Himself" that has shined  brightly on the long journey!

"Do not gloat over me, my enemy!  Though I have fallen, I will rise.  Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."  Micah 7:8

"You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."  Psalm 18:28

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."  Psalm 119:105

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  John 8:12

When we walk through hard times, through suffering - there is no darkness that the "light of God Himself" cannot penetrate!  He shines brightly into each and every situation we face.  How good and faithful He is.